Natural Garden Design

Figure A--Cook says he looks to nature to provide materials that feature a lot of irregular edges and curves. He also uses curved borders to offset the angularity of the house.

Figure B--Cook says cedar makes a great landscaping material because it resists rot and deterioration and will last for many years.

Figure C--The mature trees on the property, including a 200-year-old walnut tree, help determine the shape of the landscaping in this garden. The natural contours of the curving borders follow the shade patterns of the large trees.

Figure D--The pathways in Cook's garden are modeled after the informal landscapes of Mother Nature, turning a casual stroll to the driveway into a meandering nature hike.